By Allison Peck
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OGALLALA, Neb. — Oktoberfest is returning to Second Chapter Brewing in Ogallala Saturday, with organizers preparing for a full day of beer, food, live music, games and family activities.
The fourth annual Oktoberfest will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 26 at Second Chapter Brewing, 203 West A Street.
Owners Lisa Krause and Richard Gibson said preparations for the festival begin months in advance. Gibson said he began brewing the brewery's signature Oktoberfest-style beer, Mary's Märzen, back in the spring.
The beer will officially be released during the festival with a keg-tapping ceremony at noon.
Krause said the festival is designed to be a family-friendly event, with food available beginning at 11 a.m., including locally made bratwurst and Bavarian pretzels served with beer cheese sauce made with the brewery's Märzen.
The day will also feature face painting by the local high school art club and live music from Last Chance Band, which will begin at 11 a.m.
One of the new activities this year will be adult drift tricycle racing. Organizers have nine drift trikes available, with participants competing in teams of four on a course set up in the street.
The racing is scheduled to begin around 1 p.m. Organizers said the street will be blocked off between Spruce Street and West A Street to allow for the races and an obstacle course.
Later in the afternoon, attendees can watch the Nebraska football game, with the annual stein-hoist competition taking place at halftime. The competition challenges participants to hold a half-liter stein filled with beer or water at arm's length for as long as possible.
Organizers said the reigning champion has won the competition for the past two years.
Live music will continue into the evening with a polka band from Colorado beginning at 5 p.m. The brewery will also have the Nebraska volleyball game available for attendees to watch at 7 p.m.
Krause said the festival has grown into a significant event for the brewery and credited community support and volunteers for helping make it possible.
Additional volunteers are still being sought. Volunteers can receive merchandise and tokens in exchange for helping with the event.
Admission to Oktoberfest is free and the event is open to all ages, although alcohol-related activities are limited to those 21 and older.
Organizers said the festival will operate differently from a normal day at the brewery. Attendees will purchase tokens for food and drinks, and outside food, beverages and pets will not be allowed during the event.
The Oktoberfest is supported by the Keith County Visitors Committee, Peddler's Corner in Sidney, Quality Inn and Suites and Bollywood Indian Kitchen.
Oktoberfest at a glance
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Second Chapter Brewing, 203 West A Street, Ogallala Admission: Free Featured activities: Märzen keg tapping, drift trike races, stein-hoist competition, live music, Nebraska football and volleyball Ages: All ages welcome; alcohol and certain activities are 21+